Foundation for Women Over 50

It's a common catch-22 of cosmetics: The older you get, the more coverage you need. But the more you pile it on, the older you look. Sigh. The reason: The wrong formula can look cake-y and settle into lines and wrinkles. Fortunately, there are foundations out there that will cover imperfections and make your skin look smoother, more luminous, and years younger. Here are our top picks.

Foundation Rules for 50+ Skin

As we age, skin gets more sallow, dry, and etched with lines. While it’s tempting to slather skin with the thickest, most opaque foundation you can find, it’s only going to cling to dry spots, settle in creases, and appear mask-like. Instead you want to choose lightweight, hydrating liquid formulas with a luminous (not too shiny, but not matte) finish that glide over -- and even blur -- imperfections, explains makeup artist Jordy Poon. Poon suggests foundations with buildable coverage, meaning you can start off sheer and work your way up to your desired opacity. For foundations that fit the bill, keep clicking.

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer

If you need more coverage, consider this foundation and concealer in one. Polymer technology in the full-coverage, moisturizing formula give the makeup a flexible, breathable film, ensuring your skin won't look too made up or cakey.